260.701.01
Anatomy of Scientific Error - Meta-Science in Research Practice

Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2023 - 2024
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tuesday, 5:00 - 6:00pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Gundula Bosch
Ilinca Ciubotariu
Contact Name
Gundula Bosch
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
To err is human and we must be aware that experiments and studies can have errors. While sometimes, errors can be sources of innovation, we are facing a retraction epidemic of scientific articles. Interested in learning how you can help? Equipped with guidelines from the field of meta-science you will learn to recognize errors in interdisciplinary research practice; research public repositories to find experimental flaws or signs of questionable research practices in published studies; and write a critical review for Retraction Watch.
Examines sources of error in scientific practice (misconduct or honest mistakes, methodological or systematic errors). Presents real-world examples to analyze errors that cause problems in science across the disciplines. Introduces methodological and mathematical approaches to error reduction. Explores the review- and retraction mechanisms for journal articles and grants as methods of science self-correction. Discusses historic and contemporary cases where errors constitute sources of innovation.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Define the current understanding of experimental rigor, the meaning of academic ethics and the limits of reproducibility in an interdisciplinary context
  2. Describe the sources of error in scientific practice as well as approaches for reducing errors
  3. Formulate recommendations for avoiding mistakes and misconduct in scientific practice
  4. Explain the procedures, advantages and disadvantages of review and retraction mechanisms for scientific journal articles
  5. Appraise the role of errors in discovery and innovation
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 20% Problem sets
  • 20% Assignments
  • 30% Discussion
  • 30% Final Project
Enrollment Restriction
none
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

This course is offered through the R3 Center for Innovation in Science Education.